Marine Advisory: 15/2023 - Guidance on the Blockage of Seawater Cooling Strainers by Crustaceans in Port Dampier, Australia

05 June 2023

Marine Advisory: 15/2023

SUBJECT: Guidance on the Blockage of Seawater Cooling Strainers by Crustaceans in Port Dampier, Australia

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master/Recognized Organizations:

The purpose of this Advisory is to provide guidance regarding blocked seawater cooling strainers by crustaceans in Port Dampier, Australia.

As of 18 May 2023, the Pilbara Ports Authority published a notice that there was an increase in main engine failures due to blocked seawater cooling strainers.

Masters are advised to ensure that their seawater strainers and inspected and cleared prior to commencing an inbound pilotage.

More information can be found in the attached Marine Notice Port Of Dampier Number: D08/2023(T). For more information, please contact the Fleet Performance Department at prevention@liscr.com

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Date of Effect: 18/05/2023 Details: Blockage of seawater strainers

Former Notice: D18/2020(T) Charts & Publications: AUS 57, 59 ENC Cell – AU5058P0 Further Notice: Nil Attachments: NIL

Mariners are advised that there is an upward trend of cooling related main engine slowdowns due to blockage of seawater strainers. Currently a mass spawning of crustaceans gathering under ships in the Western Anchorages being drawn into ships cooling water intakes.

Masters are advised to ensure that their seawater strainers are inspected and cleared before commencing an inbound pilotage.

All current local Marine Notices are available on our website: http://www.pilbaraports.com.au/#marine-notices

Dampier Vessel Traffic Service | Phone: (08) 9159 6556 | dampier.vts@pilbaraports.com.au

Mariners and other port users are requested to notify the Harbour Master on the discovery of new dangers or suspected dangers to navigation within the Port.

MARINE NOTICE

PORT OF DAMPIER

Recommendations and best practices:

• Detailed procedure for cleaning seawater strainers including black flushing, changing and cleaning is provided.
• Spare filters, all tools and equipment for opening the sea chest and cleaning is readily available.
• All Engineering staff is familiar with contingency plans.
• Monitor pressure at pumps and filters during the pilotage and respond without delay.

Mike Minogue

Harbour Master (Port of Dampier)

All current local Marine Notices are available on our website: http://www.pilbaraports.com.au/#marine-notices

Dampier Vessel Traffic Service | Phone: (08) 9159 6556 | dampier.vts@pilbaraports.com.au

Mariners and other port users are requested to notify the Harbour Master on the discovery of new dangers or suspected dangers to navigation within the Port.